The 2017 Kenyan presidential election witnessed an overwhelming expression of political support from the Mount Kenya region, solidifying its place as a key stronghold for President Uhuru Kenyatta. The region’s voters turned out in large numbers, overwhelmingly backing the incumbent president and reaffirming his dominance in the national political landscape. Uhuru Kenyatta, representing the Jubilee Party, secured an astonishing 92.61% of the vote in Mount Kenya, leaving his main challenger Raila Odinga far behind with just 6.68%.
This article delves into the electoral dynamics of the Mount Kenya region, where Kenyatta’s performance demonstrated the deep-rooted influence of the Jubilee Party and the region’s critical role in shaping the outcome of the 2017 general elections.
A Dominant Performance in Mount Kenya
The Mount Kenya region, comprising ten counties, was one of the most decisive battlegrounds in the 2017 presidential election. Uhuru Kenyatta’s performance in this region was nothing short of extraordinary, securing more than 90% of the valid votes in nine out of the ten counties. The region’s overwhelming support for Kenyatta was driven by a combination of political loyalty, economic interests, and historical ties to the presidency.
Kenyatta’s strongest performance came from Nyandarua County, where he captured a staggering 98.99% of the vote. Other counties such as Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Tharaka-Nithi followed closely with similar high percentages, all in the 93-99% range. Even in counties with more diverse political opinions, such as Nakuru, Kenyatta secured a commanding 84.74%, further cementing his grip on the region.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Opposition and the ODM party, received only 6.68% of the total votes in the region. His performance peaked in Nakuru County, where he managed to garner 14.69% of the vote, the highest in the region. However, this was not enough to challenge Kenyatta’s supremacy, with his support significantly outstripping Odinga’s in almost all counties.
County-Level Results: A Comprehensive Breakdown
A closer look at the county-level results reveals just how significant Kenyatta’s support was across Mount Kenya. Below is a summary of the voting percentages for both Kenyatta and Odinga in each county:
- Nyandarua: Kenyatta – 98.99%, Odinga – 0.79%
- Kirinyaga: Kenyatta – 98.61%, Odinga – 1.03%
- Nyeri: Kenyatta – 98.35%, Odinga – 1.20%
- Tharaka-Nithi: Kenyatta – 93.15%, Odinga – 5.93%
- Kiambu: Kenyatta – 92.63%, Odinga – 7.02%
- Embu: Kenyatta – 92.10%, Odinga – 6.99%
- Laikipia: Kenyatta – 89.11%, Odinga – 10.37%
- Meru: Kenyatta – 88.82%, Odinga – 10.23%
- Nakuru: Kenyatta – 84.74%, Odinga – 14.69%
These results underscore the widespread support for Kenyatta in the region. His electoral victory in Mount Kenya was especially pronounced in rural counties such as Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri, where his support reached near-total levels. Even in urban centers like Nakuru, where Odinga had a slightly stronger showing, Kenyatta still maintained a dominant lead.
Voter Turnout: A High Level of Civic Participation
One of the striking features of the 2017 Kenyan presidential election in Mount Kenya was the exceptionally high voter turnout. The region achieved an overall turnout of 82.5%, with counties like Kirinyaga (87.15%) and Nyandarua (86.56%) recording the highest participation rates. This level of engagement reflected the region’s commitment to shaping the national political discourse and ensuring that their preferred candidate secured a decisive win.
In total, 3,917,484 votes were cast across the Mount Kenya region, with registered voters numbering 4,746,267. This turnout was crucial in ensuring that Kenyatta’s victory was not just a symbolic win but one that could not be easily contested.
Mount Kenya’s Role in National Politics
The 2017 election results in Mount Kenya reaffirmed the region’s pivotal role in determining Kenya’s political direction. As the heart of the Jubilee Party’s support base, the region’s vote was crucial to Kenyatta’s success, particularly given the competitive nature of the election. Despite the country’s political divisions and the significant backing for Raila Odinga in other regions, Mount Kenya’s near-total endorsement of Kenyatta ensured his second term in office.
Mount Kenya’s dominance in the election also highlighted the strong regional affiliations within Kenya’s political landscape. The region’s commitment to Kenyatta’s leadership was seen as both a reflection of the incumbent’s achievements in office and the historical loyalty to the presidency, with many local leaders maintaining close ties to the political establishment.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the 2017 Election in Mount Kenya
The 2017 Kenyan presidential election in Mount Kenya was a defining moment in the country’s political history. The region’s overwhelming support for Uhuru Kenyatta reinforced the importance of Mount Kenya in shaping the national political scene. Kenyatta’s high approval ratings in the region showcased his deep connection with the electorate, and his dominance in the election underscored the significance of regional loyalty in Kenyan politics.
As Kenya moves forward, Mount Kenya will continue to play a crucial role in future elections, with its political preferences likely to remain a major factor in determining the outcome of national contests. Kenyatta’s success in 2017 solidified the Mount Kenya region as an essential pillar of the Jubilee Party’s strength and influence, marking a key chapter in Kenya’s democratic evolution.
